Things To Do
in Ejmiatsin
Ejmiatsin (Etchmiadzin or Vagharshapat) is one of Armenia’s oldest cities and the spiritual heart of the Armenian Apostolic Church, centered on the UNESCO-listed Mother See Cathedral. The compact town has many historic churches and monasteries, museums of sacred relics, and a slow, pilgrimage-oriented rhythm of life. Its low-rise streets and green squares sit on the Ararat plain with frequent views of snow-capped Mount Ararat on clear days.
Ejmiatsin is an easy day-trip from Yerevan and a meaningful destination for anyone interested in Armenian history, architecture, and religious culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your journey in Ejmiatsin with a visit to the majestic Mother Cathedral, which serves as the spiritual center of the Armenian Apostolic Church. Marvel at the ancient architecture and serene atmosphere, taking time to appreciate the intricate frescoes and the historical significance of this UNESCO World Heritage site. After your exploration, enjoy a quiet moment in the peaceful gardens surrounding the cathedral.
In the afternoon, head to the nearby Etchmiadzin Cathedral Museum to delve deeper into Armenia's rich cultural heritage. Browse through captivating artifacts, manuscripts, and sacred relics that tell the story of Armenian Christianity. Take a leisurely stroll around the museum's grounds and visit the Church of St. Hripsime, a stunning 7th-century masterpiece.
As twilight descends upon the city, dine in a cozy local restaurant where you can feast on traditional Armenian cuisine. Savor regional dishes like khorovats (grilled meat), stuffed grape leaves, and lavash, accompanied by local wine. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely walk through the quiet streets of Ejmiatsin, soaking in the charm of the city under the stars.
Start the day with a reflective visit to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum in Yerevan, just a short drive from Ejmiatsin. Pay your respects at the poignant memorial site, which commemorates the victims of the tragedy and learn about this important chapter of Armenian history. The serene surroundings provide a powerful setting for contemplation and remembrance.
Return to Ejmiatsin for a leisurely lunch at a local café, sampling a variety of Armenian pastries and dishes. Afterward, visit the beautiful Shoghakat Church, tucked away in the tranquil countryside, where you can appreciate its unique architectural style and serene ambiance. Take a moment to sit in the peaceful garden, reflecting on the day's explorations.
In the evening, attend a cultural performance showcasing traditional Armenian music and dance in the heart of Ejmiatsin. Immerse yourself in the vibrant rhythms and melodies that have been passed down through generations. After the performance, enjoy some local dessert at a nearby café, topped off with a warm cup of Armenian coffee.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at an inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $1.50-3 |
| 🚌Local bus/marshrutka ride | $0.25-0.75 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride (within town) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-70 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Deep religious and historical significance with unique UNESCO sites.
- Compact, walkable town with authentic local culture and friendly residents.
- Close proximity to Yerevan and to scenic views of Mount Ararat.
- Good options for photography of medieval architecture and ruins.
- Limited nightlife and fewer modern tourist amenities compared with Yerevan.
- Many attractions are religious and may have restricted access or quiet rules.
- Fewer specialized dining options for strict dietary requirements (vegan/gluten-free).
- Public transport options within the town are limited; some sites require short drives.
- "Բարեւ (Barev)" - Hello
- "Muchas `Շնորհակալություն` (Shnorhakalutyun)" - Thank you
- "Խնդրում եմ (Khndrum em)" - Please / You’re welcome (context-dependent)
- "Ներեցեք (Neretsyek')" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Որտեղ է ...? (Vortegh e ...?)" - Where is ...?
- "Անգլերեն խոսու՞մ եք (Angleren khosum ek')" - Do you speak English?
- "Ինչքան է սա? (Inchqan e sa?)" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Ejmiatsin
Visit one of these nice places.
The UNESCO-listed cathedral with medieval architecture, ornate interiors, and religious artifacts—excellent for both exterior and interior shots (observe photography rules inside sacred spaces).
Dramatic circular ruins set on the Ararat plain; sunsets here offer great silhouettes and views toward Mount Ararat.
Well-preserved early medieval churches with clean lines and stonework—great for architectural detail photography.
Street scenes, market life, parks, and low-rise residential architecture that capture everyday life in Ejmiatsin.
On clear days, vantage points around the city provide uninterrupted views of Mount Ararat—ideal for sunrise and sunset photography.
Food in Ejmiatsin
Ejmiatsin Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Skewered grilled meats (pork, lamb, or chicken) cooked over open coals; widely available at local taverns and family restaurants around Ejmiatsin.
Must-Try!
A slow-cooked porridge of wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb); a traditional dish often served at religious commemorations and in local cafes.
Grape leaves or vegetables stuffed with a flavorful rice and herb mixture; vegetarian versions are common and suitable for lighter meals.
Sweet pastry filled with a buttery sugar-and-flour mixture; available at bakeries and cafes as a classic Armenian dessert.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A small local market where vendors sell seasonal fruit and vegetables, fresh herbs, dairy, and homemade preserves—good for tasting fresh produce and sampling homemade lavash and fruit compotes.
Occasional vendors sell quick bites such as grilled corn, baked bread, and coffee—ideal for grabbing a snack while walking between sites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly when entering churches (cover shoulders and knees); be quiet and respectful during services and ask before photographing inside. Men may be expected to remove hats.
Armenians are warm and hospitable—accepting offers of tea or food is polite. It’s customary to bring a small gift if invited to someone’s home.
A firm handshake is common in formal meetings; a nod or verbal greeting (Barev) for casual encounters. Public displays of anger are frowned upon—maintain calm and polite demeanor.
Safety
Tipping in Ejmiatsin
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: around 5–10% in restaurants if service is good; small change (rounding up) for taxi drivers and helpful hotel staff is common.
Cash (Armenian dram) is widely used—smaller shops and market stalls often accept only cash. Major restaurants and hotels usually accept cards; ATMs are available but more frequent in Yerevan. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but carry cash for market purchases and rural vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming orchards make spring an attractive time to visit; comfortable for walking and photographing blossoms, though occasional rain can occur.
Warm to hot, dry weather with long daylight hours—ideal for exploring ruins and outdoor sites but bring sun protection and water, as midday can be quite warm.
Crisp, pleasant weather and colorful foliage on the outskirts; harvest season brings fresh produce and lively markets—very comfortable for walking tours.
Cold and often snowy, especially at night; many outdoor sites remain open but some rural activities are limited—dress warmly and expect shorter daylight hours.
Ejmiatsin at Night
Hiking in Ejmiatsin
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible with a short drive from Ejmiatsin, the foothills of Mount Aragats offer hikes of varying difficulty, alpine scenery, and panoramic views; best organized as a day trip with a local guide or by car.
Network of rural tracks and village paths north of Ejmiatsin suitable for gentle hikes and cultural walks, passing orchards, khachkars, and small chapels.
Flat to gently rolling paths across the Ararat plain provide easy walking and photography opportunities toward Mount Ararat—ideal for sunset and sunrise excursions.
Airports
How to reach Ejmiatsin by plane.
The main international airport serving Yerevan, approximately 20–30 km east of Ejmiatsin (30–45 minute drive depending on traffic). Regular taxi and shuttle connections link the airport with Ejmiatsin and Yerevan.
Located in Gyumri about 120–140 km northwest—an option for some regional flights; requires a longer drive (2–3 hours) or organized transport to Ejmiatsin.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The overwhelming majority of residents are ethnic Armenians and members of the Armenian Apostolic Church; community life is closely tied to religious institutions.
Ejmiatsin hosts visiting pilgrims and clergy from around Armenia and the diaspora, contributing to a steady flow of religious visitors year-round.
Like much of Armenia, there are small numbers of other ethnic groups (including Russians and Yazidis) in the wider region, though Ejmiatsin is predominantly Armenian.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport nationwide; local teams and youth play on community fields, and televised matches draw interest.
Traditional strengths of Armenian sport culture—wrestling and weightlifting are practiced widely and celebrated when athletes compete internationally.
Widely played and supported across Armenia, including schools and clubs; chess is a respected pastime.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ejmiatsin.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (salads, dolma, eggplant dishes, cheeses, and breads), but many traditional meals are meat-centric. Inform hosts or servers that you are vegetarian—they often adapt vegetable-based sides and make simple, filling meals.
Vegan dining is more challenging but possible with fresh produce, legumes, pickles, and lavash; smaller towns have fewer vegan-labeled options, so communicate clearly and opt for market produce or simple vegetable dishes.
Bread and wheat are common in Armenian cuisine; gluten-free options are not widely labeled, so travelers needing strict gluten-free diets should plan ahead and rely on salads, grilled meats, and fresh fruit when possible.